A tragic train accident has rocked southern Germany, resulting in the loss of several lives and leaving many others injured.

The incident occurred in the Biberach district when a passenger train derailed on Saturday evening. According to officials, the train was carrying nearly 100 passengers at the time of the crash.

Emergency services have confirmed that at least three people lost their lives, and several others sustained serious injuries. Authorities have declared it a mass casualty incident, with rescue efforts still ongoing as investigations continue.

The derailment happened close to Riedlingen, roughly 158 kilometers west of Munich. The exact cause of the accident is not yet clear, but officials are exploring several possibilities.

Shortly before the crash, the region experienced heavy storms, raising suspicions that the extreme weather might have played a role. The train is believed to have derailed in a forested area around 6:10 p.m., when two carriages came off the tracks.

Baden-Württemberg’s Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl, noted that a landslide caused by heavy rain could be a possible cause. However, he stressed that the situation is still under investigation and no conclusions have been drawn.

Photos from the crash scene showed overturned train cars with emergency crews working tirelessly to reach trapped passengers. The full number of those injured has not yet been confirmed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his sorrow on social media, stating he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

Deutsche Bahn, the national railway operator, has released a statement saying it is cooperating fully with authorities. The company also sent its condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

The incident has once again raised concerns over railway safety, especially during extreme weather conditions. More details will emerge as the investigation continues.